Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Human Resources Director to lead and oversee all aspects of the HR function within a cooperative organization. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership while fostering a collaborative, people-first culture aligned with the cooperative’s mission, values, and member-focused approach.

The HR Director will be responsible for talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, leadership development, performance management, organizational planning, and HR strategy. The ideal candidate is both hands-on and strategic, with strong leadership skills and experience supporting a mission-driven or member-owned organization.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement HR strategies that align with the cooperative’s mission, operational goals, and long-term growth initiatives.
• Serve as a strategic business partner to executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• Lead initiatives that promote a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture.
• Establish and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices that support operational excellence and employee success.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Foster positive employee relations and maintain an open-door environment that encourages communication, trust, and teamwork.
• Provide guidance and resolution for employee concerns, investigations, conflict management, and performance-related matters.
• Promote employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and retention strategies.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives across the organization.

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Oversee full-cycle recruitment efforts for exempt and non-exempt positions.
• Develop onboarding and orientation programs to ensure successful employee integration.
• Identify training and professional development opportunities to support employee growth and leadership development.
• Implement performance management processes, coaching initiatives, and succession planning strategies.

Compensation, Benefits & Compliance

• Manage compensation structures, salary benchmarking, benefits administration, and incentive programs to remain competitive within the market.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, OSHA, and other applicable labor laws.
• Oversee HRIS systems, employee records, reporting, and data analytics.
• Partner with finance and executive leadership on budgeting and workforce planning initiatives.

Cooperative & Community Engagement

• Support and reinforce cooperative principles, member engagement, and community involvement initiatives.
• Collaborate across departments to maintain a strong culture of service, accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, and organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including management-level responsibilities.
• Experience within a cooperative, manufacturing, agriculture, utility, financial services, or mission-driven organization preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, employee relations, and organizational development.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Experience with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.